The Kingston Trio

The Kingston Trio took off the same year Elvis took over, 1956. The Trio – Dave Guard banjo, guitar, vocals; Bob Shane, guitar vocals; Nick Reynolds guitar, voice, percussion - didn’t release their eponymous debut until 1958, (The Kingston Trio, Capital) but they were already creating a buzz in San Francisco clubs in ’56. They remain the biggest selling folk act in history and in their ascent they laid the groundwork for the folk revival, the rise of the singer/songwriter, folk rock and AOR radio. They were the first act to sell more albums than singles.